In memoriam — and for safety

What: A pedestrian overpass above the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway tracks at Picnic Point Park, just southwest of Mukilteo.

When built: It was constructed in 1982 after an effort by local residents and county, state and federal officials to make passage over the railroad tracks safe.

Why: The effort to build the pedestrian overpass was organized by Dave Vander Linden of Lake Stevens after his 22-month-old son, Bobby, was killed at the site June 23, 1981.

What happened: According to Vander Linden and Bobby's mother, Betsy Werst, Bobby's licensed day-care provider was taking children on a picnic at the beach. She began to cross the railroad tracks holding one child in her arms and holding the hand of another. Bobby was following closely behind. When the day-care provider reached the other side of the tracks, she looked back to see Bobby standing on the tracks, "frozen" as a train approached. The train hit him. Vander Linden learned after the accident that trains come around the corner and often can't be seen or heard. Whistles are masked by the sounds of the wind. And even if a whistle is heard, there are only six seconds from when train can be seen until the train reaches the spot where pedestrians cross.

How the overpass got built: Vander Linden, aided by government officials, began a campaign to build the pedestrian bridge to the beach. Local companies contributed by designing the zigzag walkway that is accessible to the disabled. Other contractors gave giant concrete beams so the project could stay within its $500,000 budget.

Of note: Halfway up the overpass stands a large rock with a plaque that reads: "This overpass is dedicated in loving memory of Robert Edward Vander Linden, who died June 23, 1981, at 22 months old. Some say I can't without you. I say I can because of you."